10 African Americans Who Have Made Pop Culture History

February is Black History Month — a month for us to honor African-American history and the phenomenal people who are making it. From actors, to inventors, to Trey Songz’s abs, here are a few groundbreaking individuals who deserve far more than a month of praise.

+ Oscar Winner Hattie McDaniel

This Sunday is Oscars night! Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American ever to win an Academy Award — Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1939 classic “Gone With The Wind.”

+ Actress Kerry Washington

With ground-breaking roles in “Django Unchained” and ABC’s hit series “Scandal,” Kerry Washington is both telling and making African-American history. She is the first Black woman to star in a drama series in over 35 years, and was heavily involved in both of Obama’s presidential campaigns.

+ Gymnast Gabby Douglas

+ Dancer Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey was a dancer, choreographer, and activist whose works often highlight African-American history. He is credited with popularizing modern dance, and creating opportunities for Black dancers on what was once considered a White stage. His dance company is also behind the performances in mtvU’s The Backstory.

+ Screenwriter Shonda Rimes

Shonda Rimes is a female African-American screenwriter, director, and producer behind hit shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice,” and “Scandal.” How many female African-American screenwriters-directors-producers can you name? Exactlyyy. Get it, Shonda!

+ Inventor Lonnie Johnson

Without NASA thermodynamic engineer Lonnie Johnson, Soulja Boy’s “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” would be an entirely different song. Why?! ‘Cause Lonnie invented the Super Soaker water gun — the number one toy in America in 1991 and 1992.

+ Footballer Brendon Ayanbadejo

Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo boldly stands up for same-sex marriage in a sport that is notoriously closed-minded when it comes to homosexuality. As a straight ally, he campaigned for his state of Maryland to legalize gay marriage…and it did on January 1st, 2013!

+ Singer-Songwriter Ne-Yo

In the film “Red Tails,” Ne-Yo plays one of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen — the first African-American aviators in the U.S. Air Force. “I had no idea how deep the story went or about all their amazing achievements,” Ne-Yo said of the airmen while promoting the movie.

Who are you celebrating during Black History Month? Let us know in the comments or Tweet us!

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